Love is in the air

Next year is going to be such a busy, inauspicious year for me!
Firstly, the Year of the Rabbit is my jinx year.
Secondly, I intend to dump my current job to look for greener (think US bills) pastures.
Then, in Feb I have to be 姐妹 for a good friend.
In April/May, I have to be 姐妹 for another friend.
Mid year, I'm expecting another friend to get married.
In Autumn, I have to go TW for my pre wedding shoot.
After that, I have to start sourcing for good ROM venues, AD and stuff and stuff because we are hoping to tie the knot in 2012!
Yes, the Year of the Dragon - my auspicious year!
If all goes well, I am hoping to have a 'Dragon' baby in 2013, early Jan.
No Aquarius baby pleeeeease.
I had enough dealing with an Aquarian younger sis, an Aquarian fiance, an Aquarian buddy and an Aquarian boss.
They either boss around too much, have too high expectations or too adventurous. Most of them do not take good care of their stuff, lose things easily and is nonchalent abt many things. Most irritating of all, that sense of self righteousness.
But they can be hilarious friends at times.

Seriously, if I have an Aquarian baby, I will not be as calm as Mom.

Anyway, the Year of the Rabbit seems to be popular among my peers!
But then again, that's because they are a couple of years younger than me and I think they want to get hitched before 30 years old.
Well.

Bad mood is contagious

One of the insurance companies that I often liaise with has the worst attitude towards their customers.
Their phone etiquette is zero, manners zero, tolerance zero, tone of voice lousy, follow up skills bad and patience none.
First time, I am so pissed that I had to curse the caller 'to be banged by a car'.
Fiak.
So pissed.
So after a few calls back and forth, I ended the last call with the most irritated and impolite tone ever. And I made sure I hung up the phone faster and harder than she did.

Anyway, the pissed mood kinda stayed with me throughout the day. To make it worse, my crazy fiance wanted to go for bodycombat class for an hr, personal training session for an hr and then yoga for the next hr.
While waiting for him to finish his PT, I went jogging (actually half of it just walking) for 50 mins on the threadmill.
By the time yoga class started, I was freaking tired.
But anyway, criticism and looks of disapproval aside, my fiance was not very concerned abt my physical condition when I looked like I wanted to collapse. I had 2 small sandwiches for lunch today. And half a cup of plain yogurt w/ sunflower seeds for dinner. He had nasi lemak and chicken wings.

The final most irritating thing of the day was when he just had to find something to wipe the milk stain off his water bottle. He went to a closed stall at basement of the shopping mall, grabbed a used (and dirty!) cloth meant for wiping tables, and wiped his water bottle. Of course, I had to say something.
"Eeeeee! Why you use that cloth! It's damn dirty! There're germs."
He got offended and accused me of scolding him.
Well, I was (honestly) just commenting and very disgusted.
Just like how he always looked disgusted when he's at Little India.
But I'm not racist. I like Little India.
Anyway, we kinda quarrelled cos of this teeny weenie issue and back to the topic of the ring. He admitted that his friends mocked him for buying such a cheap ring.
I was still angry so I added to the fire.
"Ya. $9. Even Pri schooler can afford it."
"But that time, I didn't have enough $$."
"That's because you didn't plan. Well, you did spend abt few hundred on your church camp, didn't you? My ring was only $9."
He kept quiet.
Anyway, his stance is always to keep quiet.

Sometimes, I really feel like backing out of this marriage.
But today I am in a bad mood so I don't want to let this affect my judgement.
Tomorrow, I shall re-evaluate again.

Better day tomorrow, I hope.

MRT courtesy

The MRT courtesy jingle has been going on for some time now. Makes me wonder if the foreign workers know what it is all abt.
But then, if the locals do not set a good example, how are the foreigners going to follow?

That day, a foreigner-looking indian was seated in the MRT. A lady boarded the train with her little kid. He stood up without hesitation and gave up the seat to the little kid.
I was right beside him. Shamefully, I was so engrossed with my mobile phone I did not even know someone else who needed the seat more was standing right in front.
*slaps myself*

Another time, a passenger in front of me stood up and alighted from the train, leaving an empty seat right in front of me. With a huge gym bag and shoes in my hands, I was kind of glad that I have such luck and started to inch towards the empty seat.
Suddenly, one lady in her 50s knocked into me from behind (where my tattoo wound was!) and grabbed the empty seat in front of me.
I was speechless (and in slight pain). I glared at her but quickly stopped since she is an elderly... she probably was tired and needed the seat more. Oh well.
next stop... xxx interchange...
A minute later, she stood up and quickly inched her way out.
OH MY GOD. She banged into me just to get that empty seat for ONE FUCKING STOP?!
*boils*

A recent most disgusting act I have encountered at my usual station was committed by a foreign worker (presumably since he spoke in mainland China accent and dressed like one... but who knows, he could be an uncouth professional!)
I was standing abt 2m away from him, waiting for the train to arrive.
Suddenly he went, "...kar puuuuiiii....! First time in my whole life I see a spit fly so far.
What's more, he did it quite effortlessly.
I felt my stomach churn. My immediate reaction was to escape.
I ran a 3m away from him.
He saw and looked surprised. Then he lowered his head in embarrassment.
I did not even board the same train as him.

Respect

Respect :: To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem. To relate or refer to; concern. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.

Today I read a chinese article on myPaper with much interest - it's about respect.

It is about respecting each other's freedom to embrace their faith, respecting each other's religion and respecting each religion's teachings.

The author touched on a very common sensitive issue, I believe, faced by many Singaporeans - different religion/faith between the parents and their children.

Snapping a few snippets fr the article (in my own translation):

" ...when the parents are sick beyond cure, semi-conscious or unaware of what's happening around them, the children will change the parents' faith - this I hear from my friends and relatives... "

"...the lead role at the funeral is the deceased, so the funeral procedure should be according to the deceased's wishes."

"Respecting your parent's religion does not mean abandoning your own faith. Basically, at your parent's funeral, your identity is their child, and not a disciple."

I like this writer.

Tattoo removal - final phase

For those of you who intend to get a tattoo, think several times
before you do it.
If tattoo is painful, removal is unbearable and so is the social stigma.

I have been through abt 4 sessions of tattoo removal before but this is the most painful.
My tattoo was abt 4cm by 3cm and now it is left with only the green.
I have been avoiding the removal procedure for abt 1.5 yrs and I decided to continue this yr since I'm going for my pre wedding photoshoot next yr.

Dr A was the prettiest doctor I have ever met when I first started my consultation with her. She had the most flawless skin. Well, this is to be expected from a dermatologist.
But today when I saw her - she still has great skin - but she seems to have aged abit. I just cannot tell how.

She started the procedure quickly after greeting me and some briefing.
She began gently on the skin, with small pulses that was pretty much bearable.
After a minute, she began to increase the pulse strength and the pain was terrible.
The previous session I had 1.5 yrs ago was painful, too, but this was more.
My head started spinning. I couldn't control my limbs as the muscles flinched at every pulse shot into my skin. My palms were sweaty. I thought I was really going to pass out. But I bit my lips and tried to imagine myself in a wedding gown. Then, I held my breath and bit harder.
Dr A tried to calm me down by repeating that it's going to be done soon.
It was over in less than 5 minutes.
But it felt like eternity.

I came out of the room looking pale.

My fiance accompanied me while we waited to make payment.
We started chatting abt the proposal ring. Then I got emotional and started to cry because the proposal ring was too cheap.
Sigh. Me and my fuss.
I guess I hurt his feelings when I told him that. But still, he pacified me.

Whatever, I still like the ring very much.

What is the price of your Proposal Ring?

If not for the missing diamond, I would not have found out abt the price of my proposal ring. (And he actually paid for the ring with vouchers given by his co. as incentives...)

I went online to find out more abt other couples' proposal ring and realised that most of their rings cost ranging 2k~30k each. A friend of mine is getting married soon. Her proposal ring was a solitaire and bright and shining, at least 0.5ct, which I guess is abt 3k? Then I read abt the 4Cs of selecting a diamond ring and so on.
Wow.

Mine was only $699 - $690 paid with vouchers, $9 by nets.

I bet you must be pretty shocked huh. I was.

But,
I ruined his initial plan - $290
I cost him an apology - $60 + $100 (which I later reimbursed) + $270
The thought - priceless
The incentive vouchers for his effort put into a dangerous workzone - priceless
Heartbroken by my harsh words when ruining his initial plan - devastating

Therefore the tag on my ring is a devastating doubly priceless valuable amt.

I am going to be marrying him, not the ring.

After all, you'd want a hardworking milking cow, not just the bucket of milk, wouldn't you?

Oops. Just kidding! I'm paying with alot of 'milk' too!

Wrong impression

Working into the 4th week of my slimming plan, many people started to notice a smaller face.

However, the smaller face that I have now is not due to the vigorous exercising and dreaded dinner-skipping.
It is Botox.

Sadly, no one commented abt my figure, which probably means, I have not lost anything neck down. ('Cept for my boobs which no one can tell... yet)

The worst part of it all is the Botox has made my smile lopsided.
I cannot smile properly now. I look like I just got a stroke.
LOL.
Well, I still can laugh it off cos' at least the Botox effect is not a permanent thing and I look damn wierdo funny when I smile widely into the mirror now.
I seriously will not consider getting a subsequent one.
I rather have a fleshy face than a crooked smile.

I just pray and hope that my workouts work. Soon.

Sigh.

I. MUST. LOSE. WEIGHT

Most brides-to-be dream of being the prettiest bride of all(or at least, the prettiest in her whole damn life).
Ever since I started working, been hearing much abt marriages, husbands, in laws and more. One common statement stays edged somewhere in my mind.
I didn't take it too seriously until now.
"You won't have to worry abt keeping your figure. You will do it for your wedding day. You will."

I joined California Fitness 3 weeks ago. Every week, I go to the gym at least 4 times.
Each time, I run at least 15 minutes on the treadmill and join the cardio classes, like zumba and bodycombat.
Sometimes, I run abt 3.5km.
I never ran more than 2.4km during my heydays - when I was 45kg.
Now, I am 56kg, have 30% of body fats, not to mention flabby arms, saggy butts, radish legs and a michelin body.
I skipped dinner for the past one week (hmm... 'cept for the weekends cos' there was partying and proposal and... romance makes me fat.)
I have never been more serious than now. I took my 43kg~45kg figure for granted.

before

after







I was 18. I asked myself, "What are the chances that I will hit over 50kg? I have 5kg more to play with!"
Now, I quietly swallow every word I said.

I recall those post graduation gatherings. Each of them held abt several months apart. Each time my ex classmates look at me in awe.
I bet they were thinking how I have mutated every 6 mths.
Even new friends whom I met after graduation... they saw my growth.

If any of my ex bf can still recognise me on the streets, t h e y  w i l l  b e  l a u g h i n g  t h e i r  e v e r y  h e a d ( s )  o f f.
Dread.

Sometimes I feel embarrassed going out with my fiance and his friends, 'cos I'm the biggest (size) female among them. And oldest. Although, with the help of technology and make up, age is now a mystery. Botox helped abit abt my big, flat face, though it doesn't seem to last.

Sigh. Can't believe I used to wear Petite dresses. Now I am L.

I have only less than a year to go before my pre wedding shoot.

I must peservere.

Target weight by end 2010 = 50kg
Target dress size by end 2010 = S ~ M
Target waistline by end 2010 = 26ins

The Proposal (Part 3)

There should not be a Part 3 but it happened.

After breakfast, I took several photographs of the diamond ring.
So pretty, I thought.

Then I saw... one diamond was MISSING.

I almost passed out.

My fiance (ya, now I have to 改口了) was obviously upset.

We had to check out earlier, went to get the receipt and rushed to the jewellery shop to replace the missing diamond FOC. Anyway, if I had to pay for that diamond, I planned to cry in front of the sales person. Luckily, I did not have to resort to that.
(And I saw the price... haha.)
Then, I realised that he had bought the ring in June, before we booked our flat and paid for the pre wedding shoot.
He had been planning since June.

I had been doubting his sincerity in marrying me. I even foiled one of his plans.

I was so wrong.

Now I feel even more guilty.

The Proposal (Part 2)

Voyage de la Vie™ was spectacular. I was captured by every moment of it.

The tickets were free (my mgr gave them to us - incl. my colleagues and my GM) and we had very good seats.

My bf almost fell asleep during one part, but most of the time he was enjoying the show. My GM was sitting beside him, obviously uncomfortable with my bf's constant fidgeting throughout the show.

As the local saying goes, his backside is 'sharp'.

We headed for some cheap ramen and then photo taking. All was well.

At night, we had booze and nuggets and drinks by the pool bar at Cafe Del Mar.

This picture was copied fr some website. At night, it was much cooler and more romantic.

Nothing exciting but it was quietly romantic.

Back at the room, I fell asleep after a huge bowl of XO seafood cup noodles, halfway through "500 days of Summer".

The rest of the night was hazy - I think I woke up twice. Once to the toilet to pee.

I (washed my hands) and snuggled up to my bf in bed. I thought he was asleep. I think it was about 6am or so.

With his back facing me, he said softly,"Baobei, you are not observant enough."

I was like ' ? '
"Why do you say that...?" I was drifting back to sleep.

"Look to your right."

"Huh?"

He switched on the bedside lamp. I groaned and squinted at the bedside table.
Sitting on the table, was a maroon small box with a ribbon.

Soo Kee

Gasp.

I grabbed the box and moved it to the pillow beside him. I opened it without hesitation. Eyes wide opened, I was quiet for several seconds.
Sitting snugly in the box was a gleaming heart shaped diamond ring, poised for its owner.
There were 7 (0.24ct) bigger and 12 (0.05ct) smaller diamonds.
Total 19 : 1 + 9 = 10!

I wanted to cry.

He did not pop the question. Instead...

"You have to marry me."

Practically speaking, the proposal statement was true.

We already booked our flat and paid the deposit for our pre wedding shoot.

I wouldn't really back out now, even if he didn't propose.

(And actually his initial plan was to propose at the chalet which he had to cancel at the last minute... because of me.)

It was a wonderful 10.10.10 morning

The Proposal (Part 1)

He called and made sure I brought my bikini. I thought something was amiss. I did not want to swim at Sentosa. We were going to catch the rock circus show at Resorts World. I wanted to dress pretty.
I didn't want to bathe in cold water at the public shower, too.

But he insisted.

Still feeling guilty abt Fri's (supposed) chalet, I decided against arguing with him and brought whatever he wanted me to bring.
Anyway, he promised a hot shower and a locker for me to deposit my stuff.

At abt noon, he fetched me in a taxi. We reached the gantry to Sentosa shortly.
The toll lady stretched out her hand and asked for the entrance fee. The taxi driver flustered and asked,"Do you have the hotel 'tickets'?"
My bf looked irritated.
"Sorry, I am a hotel guest. Are we allowed free entry?"

What hotel guest? He booked a room?? I thought.

Toll lady replied, "Do you have your hotel pass with you?"

"No, we have not checked in yet."

"Sorry, I'm afraid you have to present your hotel pass. Otherwise, you need to pay for entry."

"Ok ok." The amt was deducted from the taxi's cashcard.

"What hotel room?" I asked him.

"No lah, I'm just trying to see if I can get free entry or not."

I was suspicious but I didn't think that he was capable of cooking up a quick lie.

Flustered taxi uncle (who didn't seem to know the place well... what the f***??!!) then asked,"How to get to Siloso Beach Resort? Which direction??"

I stared at my bf. "What beach resort?"

Extremely irritated, my bf pointed to the right.

"The Siloso Beach Resort is nearer to the beach we are going to." he tried to explain.

The blurcock taxi uncle kept mumbling and looking out for signs to Siloso Beach Resort. Oh well, since he planned something and I was still feeling guilty, I didn't probe any further.

To sum it up, I was thrilled to find that he booked a room for a night. The hotel was great. The pool was great. The room was great.

The pool....!











at the hotel cafe

He told me that he wanted to make up for what happened on Fri. He just wanted me to be happy.

The ruined plan

After a round of tantrum throwing (by me) on Fri evening and ruining his carefully planned chalet gathering, I was finally pacified (by him) for a Sentosa outing on Saturday before Voyage de la Vie™ at 5pm.

The truth is, I felt really bad about making him forgo the $290 worth of one night @ Changi chalet (after the fuss) and making him treat me to a wonderful supper @ Dempsey (to appease me). But the chalet was awful - eerie, smelly and dirty.
I blew up after I reached the place - partly due to his constant nagging and high pitched voice when he gets agitated. The whole chalet thing was meant to surprise me.

"You invited my friends, too?? Who did you invite??"

"Fcm, benson and zine... etc. I was planning for booze and mahjong and internet."

"There's no wireless here."

"Shit."

"What abt food?"

"Huh? We are ordering fast food delivery."

"WHAT? Chalet w/o BBQ? What do you expect my friends to do when they reach? What am I going to do to entertain them... in this (yuck) place?"

I blew up. Left the place in a huff. He followed and sent me home. Then, I forced him to cancel the whole damn thing. I must admit that I was not really in my right mind.

In 90 minutes, he sms to everyone he invited abt the cancellation, found someone to take over the chalet in order not to waste it, bought a bouquet of pretty red roses and found a nice place for supper @ Dempsey.

I kind of felt guilty. But well, what's done is done.